Preparing kids for an Alaskan cruise

[Jolimont]

I'm wondering if you have any tips on preparing young children (6-8 yo range) for an Alaskan cruise. Maybe things about whales or other wildlife, native peoples, local art and culture, glaciers, even the effects of global warming on Alaska, that sort of thing.

 

Books? Web sites? Documentaries? CDs? So far I went on my Tivo and found several programs that touch on Alaska, but nothing specifically for the purpose of introducing children to that part of the world, so I'm still looking. Thanks for you suggestions!

 

Diamond Princess HERE WE COME! Alaska has never been so cool! 5/22/04

May 31, 2003 Carnival Triumph to Western Caribbean.

 

[Host Caroline]

I don't have young children but were I in your situation I'd check with my local librarian -- at least here in my little corner of NC they are wonderful resources for children.. also do you get Discovery Kids on cable? There are many what are called "coffee table" books on Alaska.. the pictures would be great for the younger child, also a local aquarium (big one..) may have exhibits?

 

Host Caroline

<font SIZE="1">Join CC's "Alaska Live in 2005 Adventure"..you'll have a "whale" of a good time!</font>

 

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[Alaska Star]

They would probably love the movie White Fang - the Disney version was filmed in Haines in 1989. Dalton City is a "gold rush" town there created for the film. Also, Haines film maker, Steve Kroschel's film Running Free features some of his wolverines.

[tadjr]

Even some of the adult tour books I've seen have lots of pictures (and little actual tour info) to get the kids interested. I checked out several from the library and just looked at the pictures. Also some of the Alaska website mentioned here have some great pictures.

One of the books I remember glancing at was something about wild Alaska and off the beaten path hiking. Since I knew I wasnt going there I didnt check it out, but for the kids it would be cool since it focused on animals, mountains, etc

 

Ryndam Pacific Coastal May 3

 

Dawn Princess Alaska May 17

 

[tadjr]

Found This site too from the Alaska government page for the kids. Has some neat things on it.

 

Ryndam Pacific Coastal May 3

 

Dawn Princess Alaska May 17

[Jolimont]

Thank you, these are all great suggestions. I think kids make the most of an experience when they've been "preped", just like the rest of us otherwise what would we be doing on CruiseCritic?!

 

Diamond Princess HERE WE COME! Alaska has never been so cool! 5/22/04

May 31, 2003 Carnival Triumph to Western Caribbean.

 

[ajdegumbia]

I did 10-15 questions for my neice and nephew. They are 8 & 10. I bought Alaska for Dummies & Frommer's Alaska book. I gave them questions like how much daylight will we have in Juneau. (we are they are during summer solstice) What ports are we visiting, What is the name of the glacier in Juneau, etc. We worked on the answers both as a family and then they worked on them together. They really seemed to enjoy it.

 

Have a great cruise

[aloveforwander]

OHHHH BOYYY- Try "Brother Bear"- the new Disney DVD release. My 5 yr. old loves- and is relating to Alaska very well. They discuss "Salmon Run" and everything...

 

Have fun- This is what we are looking for- seeing Nicholas' face when he encounters this new wildlife in Alaska. "Brother Bear" is helping in creating the anticipation. he now watches it at least 2 times per day! Enjoy!

 

I am going to try movie suggested above to- thanks everyone!

 

*Fantasy 11/97;12/00;12/01

*MS Destiny 7/98;9/00

*Sov. of the Seas 9/98;9/99;5/00;1/04

*Majesty of the Seas 3/01;5/02

*Fascination 5/01

*Celebrity Millenium 1/02

*Navigator of Seas 11/02

*Grandeur of the Seas 5/03

*Explorer of Seas 9/03

*Disney Wonder 11/03

*Radiance of the Seas 5/04

*Mariner of the Seas 11/04

 

GOTTA LUV CRUZIN'

Until ALASKA!! Mama's trip!

Mariner of the Seas

[Wan]

Try these web sites, my 10 yr old just used them for her state report:

www.Travelalaska.com (has a kid's page)

 

www.statehousegirls.net/ak/timeline/

 

http://www.besis.uaf.edu/global_warming/problem.html

 

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/greatland/ax/primary_fs.html

also www.50states.com

www.alaskanative.net is the site for the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Have fun!